The illustrious history of Ballarat's Main Road

John Smyth’s research brings our rich history alive.  At our next meeting John will entertain us with the results of his recent work researching the history of Main Road. Described by Weston Bate as the most boisterous mile and a half of road that ever existed in Australia, Main Road was jam packed with bars, brothels, gambling joints, opium dens, food vendors, and more.  While researching Main Rd John discovering an enterprising Chinaman called Johnny Alloo.  Johnny is the subject of John’s recently released book 'Johnny Alloo of Ballarat notoriety'.